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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Why Raheem Sterling starts for Man City vs Chelsea in Champions League final

Attack is the best form of defence for Pep Guardiola in the Champions League final.

Guardiola sprang a surprise in his Manchester City starting lineup as he picked forward Raheem Sterling ahead of defensive midfielders Rodri or Fernandinho against Chelsea in Porto.

That presumably moves back Ilkay Gundogan to a holding role, while there are several players who could rotate in the front six positions.

And after abandoning his regular approach of playing one of Rodri or Fernandinho, Guardiola explained that he wants more attackers to find spaces within Chelsea's back line.

What's your view of Pep's selection? Let us know in the comments here.

Speaking to BT Sport, Guardiola said: "If we want a chance to win we have to attack.

"Of course you have to defend but our way is to attack. We need everyone, the second half I'm sure will be pretty different to the beginning."

Asked if selecting Sterling was a 'wildcard' selection, Guardiola replied: "No, absolutely not, they play a system five at the back, we need specific players and in that area and we decide for Raheem."

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